I seem to be having a problem with the cam timing on my engine....

with the dots pointed at each other on the gear sprockets, and the opti dowel at 3 O'clock, #6 should be at TDC, right?

Mine has #8 close to TDC, just past it, and #6 isn't even close.....


Should I just take the timing chain off, align #6 to tdc, make my own "dot" to align, and then put the chain on?
Kinda confused right now........

 

If the crankshaft sprocket dot is at the top and the #6 and #1 pistons are not at the top of their respective bores, stop and find out what is wrong.

Does the lower sprocket have multiple key-ways? If so, are you choosing the dot that is specific to the key-way you are using?

Don't make your own dots! Something isn't right.

 

hmmm.........while I was sure I installed it right......I used the key way for 4 deg advanced....
my bad :P

 

Good thing you found your mistake.

 

yeah......and now when I crank the engine over it has a smooth feel to it....with 4 degrees retarded it didn't feel smooth at all.